Device and method for anchoring a support structure for solar collectors to the ground

ABSTRACT

The invention allows anchoring of a support structure ( 2 ) for solar collectors to the ground ( 1 ) in a fast, accurate and cost-effective manner, simply and cleanly. The device comprises: at least one pile ( 3 ) having a first end ( 4 ) adapted for insertion into the ground ( 1 ) and a second end ( 5 ) projecting from the ground ( 1 ); joining means for joining the pile ( 3 ) to the structure ( 2 ) which comprise a bolt ( 7 ) or a plug ( 30 ). The method comprises: introducing the first end ( 4 ) of the pile ( 3 ) in the ground, leaving the second end ( 5 ) above the ground ( 1 ); fixing the bolt ( 7 ) to the pile ( 3 ); and fixing the structure ( 2 ) to the bolt ( 7 ) or to the plug ( 30 ).

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be included in the technical field of solar energy utilisation. More specifically, the object of the invention relates to a device and a method for anchoring a support structure for solar collectors to the ground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of construction, so-called piles are known, used as construction elements used for anchoring structures, allowing loads to be transferred to a resistant soil layer when they are located at a depth such that conventional foundation footings or slabs are rendered technically or economically unfeasible.

In this connection, British Patent GB2360809 relates to a pile and an installation method, disclosing a pile that comprises a rod having at least one helix acting as a screw thread to facilitate the penetration of the rod into the ground, where the helix has a plough-shaped load flank for compressing the ground radially outwards during penetration of the rod. The pile introduction process comprises the incorporation of a bonding agent around the rod during introduction for insertion into a vacuum created by the plough-shaped assembly.

Likewise, British Patent GB2397327 relates to a pile comprising at least two portions axially aligned telescopically in order to fix the effective pile length and comprises fixing means for allowing one of the sections to be fixed to another section in a plurality of positions to selectively determine the total length of the pile.

Specifically, in the field of solar energy, the use of foundation piles for anchoring photovoltaic solar panel structures to the ground is known.

However, the application of the piles to solar concentration structures, for example, of the PTC type (parabolic trough collectors) has drawbacks due to, among other reasons, the high stresses to which the foundations of thermal collectors are subject with respect to photovoltaic collectors. Additionally, fixation using plies entails accuracy requirements that are not within reach of all the systems used.

The problem posed consists of defining means for fixing solar collector structures to foundation piles allowing execution of the fixation in a simple and highly accurate manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes, according to a first aspect, a device for laying the foundations of a support structure for solar collectors comprising:

-   -   at least one pile having a first end adapted for insertion into         the ground and a second end projecting from the ground; and     -   joining means for joining the pile to the structure.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the joining means for joining the pile to the structure comprise a bolt, attached to the pile by a lower end of the bolt (threaded or not threaded) and attachable to the structure by a threaded upper end opposite the lower end. The lower end of the bolt is, according to this first embodiment, housed and fixed in a body inserted in the second end of the pile (the end projecting from the ground) and fixed to said pile. Preferably, the body is made of hardenable material susceptible of, by drying and/or setting, hardening and adhering to the pile and bolt, such as, for example, cement, concrete or mortar.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for anchoring a support structure for solar collectors to the ground, using the device of the invention, which comprises the following steps:

-   -   introduction of the first end of the pile in the ground, leaving         the second end above the ground; and     -   fixation of the structure to the outer end of the pile.

When the joining means comprise a bolt, the method can include the additional step of fixing the bolt to the pile.

Therefore, the bolt can be fixed to the pile following the steps below:

-   -   defining, on the second end of the pile, a receptacle open at         least partially;     -   disposing and holding the lower end of the bolt in place in the         interior of the receptacle, preferably using templates or         topographic control;     -   pouring the hardenable material into the interior of said         receptacle through the second opening; and     -   allowing the hardenable material to harden.

Alternatively, it is possible to pour the hardenable material first and, subsequently, before said material hardens, insert the lower end of the bolt in said hardenable material.

Preferably, defining a receptacle on the second end of the pile comprises forcibly introducing, to a certain depth, a first watertight elastic plug, preferably of polystyrene foam, having dimensions slightly larger than the cross-section of the second end of the pile, said receptacle being composed of the first plug and by the inner surface of the second end of the pile, above the first plug.

Optionally, the step that involves defining the receptacle may include an additional stage of forcibly introducing to a second depth, less than the first depth, a second watertight elastic plug, preferably of polystyrene foam, having dimensions slightly larger than the cross-section of the second end of the pile, said second plug having a first opening for inserting the bolt and a second opening for pouring the hardenable material. The location of the first opening can be established preferably using templates or topographic control.

In accordance with a second preferred embodiment, the joining means comprise, alternatively to the bolt, a plug disposed tightly around the exterior of the second end of the pile, said plug having first fixing means for fixing the pile to the structure. Preferably, the fixing means comprise a metal bracket having a first side for fixation to the plug and a second side for fixation to the structure. The second side can also be fixed to the structure using bolts or other types of fasteners.

According to a third preferred embodiment, the joining means comprise, in addition to a bolt:

-   -   a first plate fixed to the upper part of the second end of the         pile having a plurality of first slots; and     -   a second plate disposed overlying the first plate, having a         first bore and second slots (in plan), the directrix of which         cuts the directrix of the first slots, and at least partially         overlapping the first slots, in order to enable the fixation of         the first plate and the second plate in relatively variable         positions by means of second fixing means insertable through the         first slots and second slots;         where the bolt crosses the first bore and is fixed to the second         plate.

Preferably, the first slots and the second slots comprise:

-   -   first and second straight slots, the guides of which are         straight line segments, preferably in directions extending from         the external contour towards the interior of the plates; and     -   first and second circumferential slots, the directrixes of which         are circumference segments, preferably with respect to the         centres of the plates;         where each first slot is overlapped by a second circumferential         slot and each first circumferential slot is overlapped by a         second radial slot.

Therefore, the fixation of the bolt comprises the following steps:

-   -   fixing the first plate to the pile;     -   introducing the lower end of the bolt in the first bolt and         fixing said bolt to the second plate;     -   superimposing the second plate to the first plate, aligning at         least partially the first slots with the second slots; and     -   screwing the first plate to the second plate by introducing the         second fixing means through the slots.

In a manner compatible with any of the embodiments described, the joining means may additionally comprise a joining element, preferably a profile, having a flat face, wherein said flat face comprises bores to facilitate the fixation of the piles to the structure, said flat face being adapted for the structure to rest on said flat face.

Optionally, the method explained comprises the additional step of determining the location of the pile with respect to the ground prior to the introduction of said pile in the ground, as well as determining the location, if using bolts, of the bolt with respect to the pile prior to fixing the bolt to the pile. The location of the bolt and/or pile shall be determined preferably using one of the following techniques:

-   -   topographic determination and control; and     -   use of templates having marks indicating the relative locations         of the piles and/or the bolts.

The present invention allows anchoring of a support structure for solar collectors to the ground in a fast, accurate and cost-effective manner, simply and cleanly, without need for passage of trucks, cement mixers, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to complement the description being made and with the object of helping to better understand the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, said description is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by a set of drawings where, in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, the following has been represented:

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of the device in accordance with the first preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the device in accordance with the second preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 a shows a perspective view of the first plate in accordance with the third preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 b shows a perspective view of the second plate of the third preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 c shows a perspective view of the first plate and the second plate joined together in accordance with the third preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 d shows a side view of the joint between the first plate and the second plate.

FIG. 4 a shows a view of an example of a joint between the pile and the structure by means of a profile.

FIG. 4 b shows a detailed view of the joint by means of a profile of FIG. 4 a.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As can be observed in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d, 4 a and 4 b, the device for anchoring a support structure (2) for solar collectors to the ground (1), in accordance with the invention, comprises: at least one pile (3) having a first end (4) adapted for insertion into the ground (1) and a second end (5) projecting from the ground (1); and joining means for joining the pile (3) to the structure (2). Likewise, the method for anchoring a support structure (2) for solar collectors to the ground (1) using the device of the invention and which comprises the following steps: introduction of the first end (4) of the pile (3) in the ground (1), leaving the second end (5) above the ground (1); and fixation of the structure (2) to the bolt (7).

According to a first embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the joining means for joining the pile (3) to the structure (2) comprise a bolt (7) attached to the pile (3) by a lower end (8) (threaded or not threaded) and attachable to the structure (2) by an upper end (9) threaded opposite the lower end (8).

Continuing with the first embodiment, the method comprises the previous step of fixing the bolt to the pile. To this end, the lower end (8) of the bolt (7) is housed in a body (10), formed by mortar, inserted in the second end (5) of the pile (3) and fixed to said pile (3).

Therefore, the bolt (7) can be fixed to the pile (3) by forcibly and consecutively introducing, prior to the bolt (7), through the second end (5) of the pile (3), a first watertight plug (13) and a second watertight plug (14), preferably of polystyrene foam, having dimensions slightly larger than those of the cross-section of the second end (5) of the pile (3), defining a receptacle (not shown) between the two plugs. Next, a second opening (12) and a first opening (not shown) are made in the second plug (14) and the mortar is poured into the receptacle through the second opening (12), allowing said mortar to harden. The location of the first opening is determined preferably using a template or topographic control. Next, the lower end (8) of the bolt (7) is housed inside said first opening.

In accordance with a second preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the joining means comprise, alternatively to the bolt (7), a plug (30) disposed, preferably in a tight-fitting manner, around the exterior of the second end (5) of the pile (3), said plug (30) having first joining means in the manner of a metal bracket (31) having a first side (32) for fixation to the plug (30) and a second side (33) having a bore for fixation directly to the structure (2). Additionally, the first fixing means may comprise a second bracket (34) comprising a lower bored side (35) resting on the second side (33) and an upper side (36) whereon the structure (2) rests. There is no reason why the first bracket (31) or second bracket (32) cannot be fixed to the structure (2) by means of bolts (7).

According to a third preferred embodiment, as can be observed in FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d, the joining means comprise, in addition to the bolt (7):

-   -   a first plate (18), preferably circular, fixed to the upper part         of the second end (5) of the pile (3), having a plurality of         first slots (20, 21), as shown in FIG. 3 a;     -   a second plate (24), preferably circular (see FIG. 3 b),         disposed on the first plate (18) (see FIGS. 3 c and 3 d), having         a first bore (not shown) and second slots (22, 23); and     -   second fixing means (26), preferably screws (see FIG. 3 c),         insertable through the first slots (20, 21) and second slots         (22, 23) for fixing the first plate (18) to the second plate         (24), wherein the bolt (7) passes through the first bore of the         second plate (24) and is fixed to the second plate (24).     -   In the third embodiment, the first slots (20, 21) and the second         slots (22, 23) comprise:     -   straight slots (20, 22), the directrixes of which are straight         line segments extending in radial directions with respect to the         centres of the plates (18, 24); and     -   circumferential slots (21, 23), the directrixes of which are         concentric circumference segments with respect to the centres of         the plates (18, 24);         wherein each first straight slot (20) is overlapped by a second         circumferential slot (23) and each first circumferential slot         (21) is overlapped by a second straight slot (22).

In accordance with the third embodiment, the fixation of the bolt (7) to the pile (3) comprises the steps of: fixing the first plate (18) to the pile (3); introducing the lower end (8) of the bolt (7) in the first bore of the second plate (24) and fixing said bolt (7) to said second plate (24); superimposing the second plate (24) on the first plate (18), aligning at least partially the first slots (20, 21) with the second slots (22, 23); and screwing the first plate (18) to the second plate (24) by introducing the second fixing means (26) through the slots (20, 21, 22, 23).

In a manner compatible with any of the embodiments described, as can be observed in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, the joining means additionally comprise a joining element, preferably a profile (15), having a flat face (29), wherein said flat face (29) comprises second bores (not shown) for facilitating the joint between the piles and the structure; likewise, the flat face (29) is adapted so that the structure (2) rests on said flat face (29). In particular, in the case of use of bolts (7), the second bores serve to house and fix the bolts (7) of two adjacent piles (3).

The method explained comprises the additional step of determining the location of the pile (3) with respect to the ground (1) prior to introducing said pile (3) in the ground (1), as well as determining, when a bolt (7) is used, the location of said bolt (7) with respect to the pile (3) prior to fixing the bolt (7) to the pile (3). The location of the bolt (7) and/or pile (3) can be determined preferably using at least one of the following techniques: topographic determination and control; and use of templates (not shown) having marks indicating the relative locations of the piles (3) and/or the bolts (7). 

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 27. A device for anchoring to the ground a support structure for solar collectors, the device comprising: at least one pile having a first end adapted for insertion into the ground and a second end for projecting from the ground; and a joining device for joining the pile to the structure, the joining device comprising a bolt having: a lower end attached to the pile; and a threaded upper end for attaching the bolt to the structure; further comprising a body inserted in the second end of the pile and fixed to said pile, wherein the lower end of the bolt is housed and fixed in the body.
 28. The device of claim 27, wherein the body is made of a drying-and/or-setting hardenable material, for adhering to the pile and to the bolt.
 29. A device for anchoring to the ground a support structure for solar collectors, according to claim 27, characterized in that the joining device additionally comprises a joining part, connectable to the support structure, and having a flat face, wherein said flat face comprises second bores for fixing the piles to the structure.
 30. A device for anchoring to the ground a support structure for solar collectors, according to claim 29, characterized in that the second bores are adapted for housing and fixing the bolts of two adjacent piles.
 31. A device for anchoring to the ground a support structure for solar collectors, the device comprising: at least one pile having a first end adapted for insertion into the ground and a second end projecting above the ground; and a joining device for joining the pile to the structure, wherein the joining device comprises a cap disposed on the exterior of the second end of the pile, said cap having a first fixation for fixing the cap to the pile and to the structure.
 32. The device of claim 31, wherein the first fixation comprises a metal first bracket having a first side for fixation to the cap and a second side for fixation to the structure.
 33. The device of claim 32, wherein the first fixation additionally comprises a second bracket comprising: a bored lower side resting on the second side; and an upper side configured so as to allow the structure rest thereon.
 34. A device for anchoring to the ground a support structure for solar collectors, the device comprising: at least one pile having a first end adapted for insertion into the ground and a second end for projecting from the ground; and a joining device for joining the pile to the structure, the joining device comprising a bolt having: a lower end attached to the pile; and a threaded upper end for attaching the bolt to the structure; wherein the joining device additionally comprises: a first plate fixed to the upper part of the second end of the pile; a plurality of first slots, located on the first plate; a second plate disposed overlying the first plate; a first bore, located on the second plate; second slots, locating on the second plate, and having respective directrixes cutting these of the first slots, wherein the second slots at least partially overlap the first slots to allow fixation of the first plate to the second plate in variable relative positions; and a second fixation, insertable through the first slots and the second slots, for fixing the first plate and the second plate to each other, wherein the bolt passes through the first bore of the second plate and is fixed to the second plate.
 35. The device of claim 34, wherein the first slots and the second slots comprise: straight slots, the directrixes of which are straight line segments; and circumferential slots, the directrixes of which are concentric circumference segments; wherein each first straight slot is overlapped by a second circumferential slot and each first circumferential slot is overlapped by a second straight slot.
 36. The device of claim 35, wherein the directrixes of the straight slots extend from the external contour toward the interior of the plates.
 37. The device of claim 36, wherein the directrixes of the straight slots extend in radial directions with respect to the centers of the plates and the directrixes of the circumferential slots are concentric with respect to said centers.
 38. A method for anchoring to the ground a support structure for solar collectors, comprising the following steps: introducing in the ground a first end of a pile, leaving an opposite second end of the pile projecting above the ground; and fixing the structure to the second end of the pile; wherein fixing the structure comprises a step of fixing a bolt to the pile and to the structure, comprising the following stages: defining a receptacle at least partially open on the second end of the pile; disposing and holding in place a lower end of the bolt in the interior of the receptacle; pouring a drying-and/or-setting hardenable material into the interior of said receptacle; and allowing the hardenable material to harden.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein defining a receptacle comprises the stage of forcibly introducing to a first depth a watertight first elastic plug having dimensions slightly larger than the cross-section of the second end of the pile.
 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of forcibly introducing to a second depth, less than the first depth, a second watertight elastic plug having dimensions slightly larger than the cross-section of the second end of the pile.
 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of determining the location of the pile with respect to the ground prior to introducing said pile in the ground.
 42. The method of claim 41, further comprising step of determining the location of the bolt with respect to the pile, prior to fixing the bolt to the pile.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the location of the bolt is determined using topographic determination and control.
 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the location of the bolt is determined using templates having marks indicating the relative locations of the piles and/or the bolts.
 45. A method for anchoring to the ground a support structure for solar collectors, comprising the following steps: introducing in the ground a first end of a pile, leaving an opposite second end of the pile projecting above the ground; and fixing the structure to the second end of the pile, using a joining device; further comprising a step of fixing to the pile and to the structure a cap located on the exterior of the second end of the pile, said cap having a first fixation for fixing said cap to the pile and to the structure.
 46. A method for anchoring to the ground a support structure for solar collectors, comprising the following steps: introducing in the ground a first end of a pile, leaving an opposite second end of the pile projecting above the ground; and fixing the structure to the second end of the pile; characterized in further comprising a step of fixing a bolt to the pile and to the structure, comprising the following stages: fixing a first plate, having first slots, to the second end of the pile; introducing a lower end of the bolt in a first bore located of a second plate and fixing the bolt to the second plate; superimposing the second plate to the first plate, aligning at least partially the first slots with second slots second slots which are located on the second plate, the second slots having respective directrixes cutting these of the first slots, wherein the second slots at least partially overlap the first slots to allow fixation of the first plate to the second plate in variable relative positions; and fixing the first plate to the second plate by introducing, through the first slots and the second slots, a second fixation, wherein the bolt passes through the first bore of the second plate and is fixed to the second plate. 